Fastening flange

ABSTRACT

A flange for fastening a line to a pump casing, includes: a pump casing passage; and a plurality of stop members protruding in the passage and angularly distributed around the passage, the position of the flange being angularly adjustable by the stop members. A pump may include the fastening flange. A method for adjusting the position of the flange in relation to the pump is also disclosed. This method makes it possible to avoid the position of the pump casing being imposed by the orientation of the fastening flange of the pump casing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/401,155, entitled “FASTENING FLANGE” and filed on Mar. 10,2009, specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that itdiscloses or teaches.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a fastening flange and a pump casing.

BACKGROUND

Single-piece fastening flanges can be molded to the ends of pump casingsand lines to be connected. The single-piece flange molded on the pumpcasing is oriented along the axis of the pump motor or orientedperpendicular to the axis of the motor. The line and the pump casing aregenerally connected by two bolts with nuts which tighten the flange ofthe pump casing against the flange of the line.

One assembly problem of a pump casing including a flange of this type isthat the pump casing connected to the line is positioned according to asingle position. In other words, the position of the pump casing isimposed by the orientation of the single-piece fastening flange moldedto the end of the pump casing.

There is therefore a need for a simpler method of fastening a pumpcasing to a line.

SUMMARY

To this aim, it is proposed a flange for fastening a line to a pumpcasing, the flange comprising:

-   a pump casing passage;-   a plurality of stop members protruding in the passage and angularly    distributed around the passage, the position of the flange being    angularly adjustable by the stop members.

In other embodiments, a flange may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures:

-   the stop members comprise a positioning housing for positioning of    the flange, the positioning housing being open according a direction    in the lengthwise of the passage;-   the stop members comprise two positioning housings for positioning    of the flange, each positioning housings for positioning is open    according a direction opposite in the lengthwise of the passage;-   the stop members comprise a flat surface perpendicular to the    passage;-   the flange has a shape which has three axes of symmetry;-   the stop members comprise protuberances protruding parallel to the    axis of the passage.

Another pump is also proposed, including:

a fastening flange including:

-   a pump casing passage;-   a plurality of stop members protruding in the passage and angularly    distributed around the passage,-   a pump casing extending in the passage of the flange, the pump    casing including a stop surface,-   the position of the flange being angularly adjustable in relation to    the pump casing by connecting the stop surface and the stop members.

In other embodiments, the pump may include one or more of the followingfeatures:

-   the stop surface is a plurality of snug protruding from the pump    casing, the position of the flange being angularly adjustable in    relation to the pump casing by connecting the stop members and the    snug;-   the pump casing comprises as many snug as there are stop members and    the distribution around the pump casing of the snug corresponds to    the distribution of the stop members;-   the stop members of the flange comprise a positioning housing for    positioning of the flange, the positioning housing being open    according a direction in the lengthwise of the passage and wherein    each snug is received in a positioning housing of the flange;-   the stop members comprise two positioning housings for positioning    of the flange, each positioning housing is open according a    direction opposite in the lengthwise of the passage;-   the pump casing also comprises a support surface of the flange, the    position of the flange being angularly adjusted in relation to the    pump casing by rotation of the flange around the pump casing on the    support surface;-   the pump casing comprises a single stop surface which is continuous    over the perimeter of the pump casing;-   the stop members of the flange comprise a flat surface perpendicular    to the passage;-   the flange is removable in relation to the pump casing.

A method is also proposed for adjusting the position of a flange inrelation to a pump, wherein the pump comprises:

-   a fastening flange including:-   a pump casing passage;-   a plurality of stop members protruding in the passage and angularly    distributed around the passage,-   a pump casing extending in the passage of the flange, the pump    casing including a stop surface,

and the method comprises:

-   the rotation of the flange around the pump casing up to a desired    angular position of the flange in relation to the pump casing, and-   the connection of the stop members with the stop surface.

In other embodiments, the pump also includes a support surface for theflange, and the stop surface being a plurality of snug, and a methodincludes,

-   prior to rotation of the flange, the engagement of the flange on the    pump casing up to the support surface, the stop members of the    flange being angularly shift in relation to the snug, and-   during the rotation of the flange, the guiding of the flange in    rotation by the support surface.

In others embodiments, the flange comprises two diametrically oppositestop members in the passage, wherein a method comprises,

-   prior to rotation of the flange, the engagement of the flange on the    pump casing by inclining the flange in relation to the pump casing    until the stop surface is introduced through the passage and the    placing into contact of the stop members under the stop surface.

In other embodiments, the stop members of the flange include apositioning housing for positioning of the flange, each positioninghousing is open according a direction in the lengthwise of the passageand in which the connection of the stop members with the stop surface isdone by introducing each snug into a positioning housing of the flange.

In other embodiments, the stop members comprise protuberances protrudingparallel to the axis of the passage and in which the connection of thestop members with the stop surface is done by placing the protuberancesof the stop members in contact with the stop surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear upon readingthe following detailed description of embodiments of the invention,given as example only and in reference to the drawings which show:

FIG. 1, a perspective view of two flanges and a pump casing according toa first embodiment;

FIGS. 2 and 3, perspective and cross-sectional views of the flange ofFIG. 1 during adjustment on the pump casing of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 and 5, a perspective view of the pump casing provided with twoflanges of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6, a top view of a flange according to a second embodiment adaptedto be installed on a pump casing of FIG. 8;

FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of the flange of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8, a perspective view of the flange of FIG. 1 during adjustment ona pump casing; and

FIG. 9, a perspective and cross-sectional view of a pump casing providedwith a flange of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is proposed a fastening flange for fastening a line to a pump casing.The flange includes a pump casing passage. The flange also includes aplurality of stop members protruding in the passage. The stop membersare angularly distributed around the passage. The position of the flangeis angularly adjustable by the stop members in relation to the pumpcasing. This makes it possible to avoid that the position of the pumpcasing is imposed by the orientation of the fastening flange of the pumpcasing. The position of the flange can be oriented independently of theposition of the pump casing in relation to the line. It is only enoughto orient the flange appropriately in relation to the pump casing. Thissimplifies the method of fastening the pump casing to the line.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of two fastening flanges 10 and a pumpcasing 20 and FIG. 9 shows a perspective and cross-sectional view of apump casing 20 provided with a flange 10. Pump casing 20 is intended toreceive a motor 34 to form a pump. Pump casing 20 includes an outletorifice at one end and an inlet orifice at the other end allowing theentry and exit of fluid in pump casing 20. Each orifice is intended tobe connected to a line. The flanges 10 allow to connect each of theorifices to a line. For example, the flanges 10 are each fastened to aflange of the line to be connected. Pump casing 20 includes headsthrough which the orifices open. The heads of the pump casing areintended to receive the fastening flanges 10.

FIGS. 1 and 6 illustrate various embodiments of flanges 10 intended tobe positioned with regard to an orifice of a pump casing 20. Flanges 10mounted on a same pump casing are identical, but it is possible toinstall two different flanges 10 on a same pump casing 20. In thecontinuation of the description, a single flange 10 per pump isdescribed. Pump casing 20 can be fastened to a line by tightening flange10 against the flange of the respective line. The tightening thusenables to flange to grip and fasten pump casing 20 against the line.

Flange 10 can be removable relative to pump casing 20. This makes itpossible to provide flange 10 independently of pump casing 20. This alsomakes it possible to replace flange 10 if necessary.

In order to insert flange 10 around pump casing 20, flange 10 includes apassage 13. Passage 13 allows the rotation of flange 10 around pumpcasing 20. The flange has a shape in one plane. Passage 13 can havedifferent shape e.g. polygonal-type shapes. Passage 13 preferably has acircular shape in order to facilitate the rotation of the flange aroundpump casing 20. Thus flange 10 is generally ring-shaped. In order to beable to insert the end of pump casing 20 into passage 13, the size ofthe section of passage 13 is larger than a section at least one of theends of pump casing 20.

According to FIGS. 1 and 6, flange 10 includes a plurality of stopmembers 11. Stop members 11 are protruding in passage 13. Stop members11 allow preventing the removal of the flange outside pump casing 20.Stop members 11 can be angularly distributed around passage 13. Thusstop members 11 allow to position flange 10 in relation to pump casing20 according to different angular positions. This adjustment is done byconnecting stop members 11 with a stop surface 21 protruding from pumpcasing 20.

According to FIG. 1, the flange can include four stop members 11. Stopmembers 11 can be diametrically opposite two by two. Stop members 11 canbe arranged 90° from each other around passage 13. A distribution angleof 90° has the advantage of positioning the pump casing in the two mostcommon positions in relation to the line, i.e. along axis 33 of the pumpmotor or perpendicular to axis 33 of the pump motor.

According to FIGS. 6 and 7, flange 10 can include two stop members 11.Stop members 11 can be diametrically opposite. Stop members 11 form aprogressive narrowing of the diameter of passage 13. This makes itpossible to facilitate the engagement of the flange on the pump casingwhile optimizing the contact between stop members 11 and the pumpcasing. The stop members form a flat, smooth surface, in a planeperpendicular to the axis 32.

Pump casing 20 includes a stop surface 21 of flange 10. In particular,stop members 11 of flange 10 engage with a stop surface 21. According toFIG. 1, stop surface 21 of pump casing 20 is in the form of snug. Pumpcasing 20 can comprise as many snug 21 as there are stop members 11. Thedistribution of the snug 21 can be identical to the distribution of stopmembers 11. This allows each stop member 11 to cooperate with a snug 21.According to FIG. 8, the stop surface of pump casing 20 is a continuousrim on the perimeter of the pump casing. This makes it possible for stopmembers 11 of the flange to cooperate with stop surface 21 regardless ofthe angular position of the flange in relation to the pump casing.According to FIG. 9 the pump casing can also include flat sections 23 onthe perimeter of the pump casing thereby generating parts of stopsurface 21. These flat sections 23 allow facilitating the introductionof flange 10 around pump casing 20. Furthermore, this may enable anincrease of the size of stop members 11 toward the center of passage 13of the flange 10, thereby improving the resistance of the flange.

According to FIG. 1, in order to position flange 10 on pump casing 20,stop members 11 of the flange of FIG. 1 can each comprise positioninghousings 14. Positioning housings 14 allow wedging snug 21 in stopmembers 11. Thus, flange 10 has well-defined positions in relation topump casing 20. This facilitates later fastening to the flange of theline. The positioning housings 14 are open according a direction in thelengthwise of passage 13 of pump casing 20 in flange 10. For example,the housings are open in the direction opposite to the direction ofintroduction 30 of pump casing 20 in the flange 10. This makes itpossible to wedge snug 21 in the bottom of the positioning housings 11when flange 10 is tightened against the corresponding flange of theline.

Positioning housings 14 can be defined by two protuberances 15 of thestop member 11. The two protuberances 15 make it possible to immobilizethe snug 21 in the positioning housings 14 during mounting of flange 10on pump casing 20.

Stop members 11 can also each have two positioning housings 14. Thepositioning housings 14 are identical but are each open according adirection opposite in the lengthwise of passage 13. Thus, the surface infront of pump casing 20 before introduction of the pump into the flangecan be one of the two surfaces of the flange 10. Assembly is thereforeeasier.

Flange 10 of FIGS. 1 and 6 includes at least one attachment zone. Theattachment zone allows to position an attachment member in order tofasten flange 10 against a line flange. Flange 10 can include severalattachment zones in order to distribute the locking pressures on theflange 10. The attachment zones can be distributed angularly aroundflange 10 in order to distribute the locking pressure. Each attachmentzone increases the bulk of the flange 10. In order to decrease the bulkof the flange 10, it is preferable for flange 10 to include only twodiametrically opposite attachment zones.

Each attachment zone can be a recess 12 which goes through flange 10parallel to the axis 32 of passage 13. Thus an attachment member such asa bolt can be inserted therein. Recesses 12 can be U-shaped. The U shapemakes it possible to easily insert a screw of the bolt into recesses 12.In case the flange comprises two diametrically opposite U-shapedrecesses, flange 10 is generally oval-shaped. A shape of this type isless bulky than a square-shaped dual-orientation flange.

Flange 10 comprises reinforcements 16 (visible in FIG. 1, for example)protruding from its external contour. Reinforcements 16 make it possibleto increase the mechanical resistance of flange 10, in particularagainst the mechanical stresses exerted by the attachment systems on theflange.

Stop members 11 can also include protruding protuberances 17.Protuberances 17 make it possible, in the same way, to increase themechanical resistance of flange 10 but also of stop members 11.According to FIGS. 6, 7, 9, a part of the protuberances can be locatedin front of recesses 12 and the protuberances can be protruding parallelto the axis of the passage. In this case, the protuberances of the stopmembers are adapted to be in contact with stop surface 21 of the pumpcasing. This arrangement allows that the support (the contact surface)between the flange and the pump casing is localized and is close to theattachment zones. Indeed, the stop members can include defects (whichcan result from a foundry operation) which can generate a randomsupport. With these protuberances, the resting of the flange on the pumpcasing is more stable.

Flange 10 of FIGS. 1 and 6 can have several symmetries. Flange 10 canhave a center of symmetry located at the center of passage 13 of theflange. Due to the symmetry of flange 10, flange 10 can pivot aroundaxis 32 of passage 13 before introduction of pump casing 20 into flange10. In particular, if flange 10 includes four stop members 11, flange 10can be pivoted by 90° around axis 32 of passage 13 before beingpositioned on the pump casing. Before the introduction of pump casing 20in flange 10, flange 10 can also be turned back by 180 degrees around anaxis perpendicular to axis 32 of passage 13. Thus, the surface of flange10 with regard to pump casing 20 can be one of the two surfaces offlange 10 perpendicular to the axis 32 of passage 13. According to FIGS.1 and 6, each flange thus has a first axis of symmetry along the axis 32of passage 13. The first axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the planeof the flange. Each flange also has a second axis of symmetry in theplane of the flange and going through the attachment zones. Stillaccording to FIG. 1, each flange has a third axis of symmetryperpendicular to the second axis of symmetry, in the plane of theflange. These symmetries therefore make assembly easier.

Flange 10 and pump casing 20 can be obtained using a molding or smeltingmethod, in particular without machining This allows easy manufacturingof these elements. The shapes of these elements are such that they areobtained by natural stripping.

Snug 21 according to FIG. 1 can have a shape complementary to the shapeof stop members 11. Such a complementary shape allows to appropriatelyposition flange 10 in relation to pump casing 20. Such a complementaryshape also allows to optimize the contact surface between stop members11 and snug 21. Stop surface 21 according to FIG. 8 can have a smoothsurface; this makes it possible to easily manufacture the stop surfaceand to position flange 10 according to an infinite number of positionsin relation to casing 20.

According to FIG. 1, pump casing 20 can include a support surface 22protruding from pump casing 20. During the introduction of flange 10around pump casing 20, stop members 11 come into contact with supportsurface 22. Support surface 22 makes it possible to stop the translationof the flange in the direction of introduction 30 of flange 10 aroundpump casing 20. Support surface 22 also makes it possible to angularlyposition flange 10 in relation to pump casing 20 by rotation of flange10 in contact with the support surface. Support surface 22 is arrangedin a plane perpendicular to axis 32 of passage 13 corresponding to anaxis of introduction of pump casing 20 into flange 10. Support surface22 protrudes from pump casing 20 beyond snug 21 in the direction ofintroduction 30 of the flange around pump casing 20.

Support surface 22 can be continuous; support surface 22 can also bediscontinuous thereby forming several angular sectors. The angle betweeneach sector can be smaller than stop members 11. Thus, during theintroduction, when the flange comes into contact with support surface22, all of stop members 11 are placing on support surface 22. Thisallows the resting of the flange on the support surface to be stable.

If necessary, the rotation of the flange is ensured by protuberances 15in contact with support surface 22. This ensures stable rotation of theflange.

A method for adjusting the position of flange 10 in relation to a pumpcasing 20 (and in particular in relation to the heads of the pump wherethe inlet and outlet orifices open) is now described. FIGS. 2, 3 and 8illustrate this method. FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective andcross-sectional views of flange 10 of FIG. 1 during adjustment on pumpcasing 20. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the assembly of flange 10 ofFIGS. 6 and 7 on pump casing 20 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 2 illustrates the introduction or the engagement of a flange 10around a pump casing 20. Before introduction of flange 10, stop members11 of flange 10 are angularly shift in relation to snug 21 of pumpcasing 20. Arrow 30 illustrates the direction of introduction 30, alongAxis 32. Flange 10 is moved in the direction of introduction 30 until itcomes into contact with support surface 22, beyond the snug 21. Thetrajectory of the flange is a translation of the flange such that theaxis 32 of passage 13 is also the axis of the orifices of the pumpcasing. After the introduction of the flange 10, the flange is rotatedaround pump casing 20 up to the desired angular position of the flange.The rotation of flange 10 can be done in the desired direction ofrotation. Support surface 22 enables guiding of the flange in rotation.In the desired angular position, stop members 11 are in front of snug21. In particular, the positioning housings 14 are in front of the snug21. The desired angular position of flange 10 is such that theattachment zones of the flanges of pump casing 20 and the line areopposite.

FIG. 3 illustrates the translation of flange 10 up to a final positionof flange 10 in relation to pump casing 20. The translation is done inthe direction opposite the direction of introduction 30 of flange 10.Arrow 31 shows this translation along axis 32. The translation alongarrow 31 is stopped by the cooperation (or the bringing into engagement)of stop members 11 with the snug 21. Thus flange 10 is arranged on pumpcasing 20. In particular, during translation along arrow 31, snug 21penetrate in positioning housings 14 respective. Flange 10 is thenimmobilized in an angular position by protuberances 15. In thisposition, flange 10 is positioned to be tightened against acorresponding flange of the line. The tightening of the opposite flangesis done by the introduction of an attachment member in recesses 12.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate two perspective views of a pump including apump casing 20 provided with two flanges 10 and a motor 34. FIG. 4illustrates a first position in which the attachment zones are accordinga direction perpendicular to axis 33 of the motor of the pump. FIG. 5illustrates a second position in which the attachment zones areaccording a direction parallel to axis 33 of the motor of the pump. Theflanges can be placed from one position to another by rotation againstsupport surface 22.

A method for adjusting the position of flange 10 according to FIGS. 6and 7 in relation to a pump casing 20 is now described in relation toFIG. 8. The engagement of this flange 10 is done by inclining the flangein relation to the pump casing (the axes of the passage of the flange isinclined in relation to axis 32) so as to have the largest diameter ofpassage 13 of the flange in front of stop surface 21 of the pump casing.A stop member 11 of the flange is positioned under stop surface 21 ofthe pump casing and the other stop member 11 is positioned above stopsurface 21. Flange 10 is, for example, positioned in a plane at 45° inrelation to axis 32. Stop surface 21 is then introduced through passage13, then flange 10 is pulled down in a plane perpendicular to axis 32according to the arrow in FIG. 8. The two stop members 11 are then understop surface 21. Then, flange 10 is brought back up along axis 32 untilstop members 11 are connected (or engaged) by contact with stop surface21. After, flange 10 can be angularly adjusted around axis 32 up to thedesired position of flange 10. Stop members 11 and stop surface 21 beingsmooth, the angular position of the flange can be precisely adjusted.The desired angular position of flange 10 is such that the attachmentzones of the flanges of pump casing 20 and of the line are opposite. Inthis position, flange 10 is positioned to be tightened against acorresponding flange of the line. The tightening of the opposite flangesis done by the introduction of an attachment member in recesses 12. Stopmembers 11 can also include protuberances 17 as previously discussed inorder to provide the same advantages.

These methods allow to angularly adjust flange 10 in relation to pumpcasing 20. The position of flange 10 can be oriented independently ofthe position of pump casing 20 in relation to the line. It is no longernecessary to orient pump casing 20 in relation to the flange of theline. It is sufficient only to orient flange 10 appropriately inrelation to pump casing 20.

Moreover, one can provide for the arrangement of a joint between pumpcasing 20 and the line in order to ensure sealing between pump casing 20and the line. The joint is then compressed between the line and pumpcasing 20 during tightening of the flanges. In order to facilitate theplacement of the joint on pump casing 20, stop surface 21 can beprotruding from the surface of pump casing 20 opposite the line, alongaxis 32 of passage 13.

Preferably, the flanges are identical for different pump casingversions. This makes it possible to reduce the number of spare partreferences for the flanges.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended. Furthermore, structuralfeatures of the different embodiments may be combined in yet anotherembodiment without departing from the recited claims.

1. A flange for fastening a line to a pump casing, the flangecomprising: a pump casing passage; a plurality of stop membersprotruding in the pump casing passage and angularly distributed aroundthe pump casing passage, the position of the flange being angularlyadjustable by the stop members.
 2. The flange according to claim 1,wherein the stop members comprise a positioning housing for positioningof the flange, the positioning housing open according to a direction inthe lengthwise of the pump casing passage.
 3. The flange according toclaim 2, wherein the stop members comprise two positioning housings forpositioning of the flange, each positioning housing is open according toa direction opposite in the lengthwise of the pump casing passage. 4.The flange according to claim 1, wherein the stop members comprise aflat surface perpendicular to the pump casing passage.
 5. The flangeaccording to claim 1, wherein the flange has a shape which has threeaxes of symmetry.
 6. The flange according to claim 1, wherein the stopmembers comprise protuberances protruding parallel to the axis of thepump casing passage.